Morris Receives Leigh Plunkett Scholarship

02 March 2015
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Popular NSW driver Robbie Morris has been announced as the joint winner of the 2015 Leigh Plunkett Foundation (LPF) Scholarship.  Morris and Queensland’s Narissa McMullen will share this year’s $20,000 scholarship and LPF’s Vaughn Lynch was full of praise for both recipients.

“Ellen Tormey was the inaugural winner of the Leigh Plunkett Foundation Scholarship and Ellen spent six weeks travelling internationally, learning a great deal about the industry which will enable her to further her career here in Australia,” Lynch said.

“This year after the panel of nine voted, there was a tie between Robbie and Narissa and it has been decided that a joint scholarship will be awarded with both of them getting the opportunity to travel internationally to learn more about the harness racing industry.”

Lynch praised the Foundation’s supporters and explained that without them the scholarship would only be a dream.

“A lot of money is raised through a stallion auction and most of the studs support us with that and we also would like to thank a few of the state’s controlling bodies like HRNSW that support the foundation and the concept.”

“It was also great that on behalf of the foundation we could give Alex Tout from Success Stud, the Breeding Encouragement Award and Alex will be able to travel overseas to further his knowledge and career.”

Morris was excited to receive the scholarship and is looking forward to travelling to Europe later in the year.

“I still have a lot to work out, like when I go and for how long but I have always wanted to travel to Europe to see the Elitlopp and learn from the European trainers and drivers.”

“An opportunity like this is a very special one and I would like to thank all of those at the Leigh Plunkett Foundation who have made it a possibility for me.”

Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State.  HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.

To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:

Name:

Greg Hayes

Position:

Media Co-ordinator

Phone:

(02) 9722 6600

Email:

ghayes@hrnsw.com.au

 

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